The 32-year-old Chilean succeeded Lars Bender as captain in the summer of 2020 and led the team onto the pitch last season. "I was proud to wear the armband," said Aránguiz. "But I noticed over the course of the season that I can help the team more if I completely focus on my performance on the pitch. That's why I made the post of captain available. Of course, I will continue in a leadership role and give my full support to Lukas."
Hradecky joined the Werkself from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2018 and has made 127 appearances for Bayer 04 so far. "Lukas is not only an outstanding goalkeeper but also a complete professional who has a very conscientious approach to his game," said Gerardo Seoane. "On top of that, he has a very positive presence, communicates well and is happy to accept responsibility."
The new captain is looking forward to the challenge. "The team has become very close to my heart in the past few years. And I really identify with the club," said the 31-year-old Finland international. "We have ambitious targets for next season. My teammates and I will give our all to achieve them."
Julian Baumgartlinger, Jonathan Tah and Charles Aránguiz are the vice-captains.
Werkself captains since 1996:
Jens Nowotny: 1996-2003
Carsten Ramelow: 2003-2008
Simon Rolfes: 2008-2015
Lars Bender: 2015-2020
Charles Aránguiz: 2020-2021
Lukas Hradecky: From 2021
Bayer 04 are riding a wave of success on the European stage: After three wins from their first three games and as the only team yet to concede a goal, the Werkself sit second in the table in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League. With another three points in their first-ever competitive match against Olympique Marseille on Thursday night, 5 November (kick-off: 21:00 CET), Bayer 04 could leap to the top of the table. Meanwhile, the French side are riding the wave of a winning streak in Ligue 1, but are yet to pick up any points in the Europa League. For one Werkself player, Thursday night will mark a reunion with his former team-mates. Today’s matchday news.
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The Europa League campaign continues: Bayer 04 host Olympique Marseille at the BayArena on matchday four of the group stage on Thursday 5 November (kick-off: 21:00 CET). Ahead of the clash against the club from the French Mediterranean coast, head coach Carles Martínez spoke about the visitors’ form and had some good news regarding the squad. Former OM player Facundo Medina spoke, amongst other things, about the factors that will be crucial against his old club.
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The Bayer 04 Round of 16 tie in the 2026/27 DFB Pokal has been scheduled. The Werkself will host Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig on Wednesday, 2 December, at 18:00 CET. That was announced by the German Football Association (DFB).
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Video game developer Electronic Arts (EA), in collaboration with the Bundesliga, has announced the six nominees for the Bundesliga Player of the Month award for October 2026 – and Bayer 04’s Ibrahim Maza is among them. Fans of the Black and Reds can vote from now until Sunday 8 November (23:59 CET).
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